Accredited Drug Testing offers thorough hair follicle drug analysis in Overlea, Maryland. If you're seeking a test for drugs or alcohol through hair, Accredited Drug Testing is your expert in this field, with facilities across the nation ready to conduct your test. Typically, 1.5 to 2 inches of hair are required from the crown or body. Hair assessments can target substances like drugs, alcohol/ETG, or other custom testing options.
Recently, hair follicle drug testing has gained traction as a popular method for substance screening. Various employers, judicial entities, and substance abuse specialists now prioritize the hair drug test over the traditional urine analysis. Hair follicle tests are favored by employers with no-tolerance drug policies, the courts, and those on probation due to their broader detection window of up to 90 days, are performed under observation, and are nearly impossible to manipulate. For identifying recent drug use within the past 5 days, urine testing remains the preferred method.
* You must register by phone or online to receive your donor pass/registration prior to proceeding to the testing center. You must bring a valid government issued ID along with the registration/barcode number which was sent to you by email.
When you're searching for hair drug testing near me or hair drug testing locations, we provide a simple and convenient process to find a drug and alcohol testing location near you that is certified to provide all of your drug and alcohol testing needs.
Hair analysis has emerged as an effective mechanism for identifying substance use through its ability to capture drug and alcohol indicators over time. The hair's structure retains traces of alcohol and drug markers as it grows, allowing for a retrospective analysis. When extracted from near the head, hair can reveal substance usage history spanning up to three months. The collection process is straightforward, with less susceptibility to tampering, and transportation is uncomplicated.
A 1.5-inch section comprising roughly 200 hair strands (similar in size to a #2 pencil) closest to the head scalp provides 100mg of hair, serving as the optimum sample for both preliminary and confirmatory phases. For EtG, additional tests, or analysis involving more than 10 panels, a specimen of 150mg is advisable. It is suggested to measure the sample weight using a jeweler's scale. In cases where scalp hair is inaccessible, a comparable quantity of body hair is acceptable. 'Head hair' refers specifically to hair on the scalp, while 'body hair' includes all other hair types such as facial and axillary hair.
Process Overview
The laboratory procedure of testing drug results encompasses four primary phases: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning signifies the initial incorporation of a sample into a laboratory's system; this phase checks that the sample was appropriately sealed and delivered, assigns it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and completes any supplementary data entry absent in an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening conducts a preliminary swift assessment for substances of abuse. While Screening provides a cost-efficient approach to dismiss drug usage in many instances, any positive results discovered necessitate a follow-up for legal validation. Specimens with presumptive positive results in Screening require further confirmation.
Upon identifying a presumptive positive in the Screening phase, additional hair is extracted from the existing sample and prepared for the Extraction phase. At this point, drugs are drawn from the hair at concentrations lower than those typical in other testing methods (e.g., urine or saliva), rendering hair drug testing the most challenging method to execute.
Verification of any positive screen is achieved using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS technologies. Presumptive positive samples undergo a washing process when necessary before confirmation occurs. The entire laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation undergoes review in accordance with both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair classification and ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Although commonly labeled as "hair follicle tests", the evaluation focuses on the hair strand itself rather than the follicle beneath the scalp.
Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing in Overlea, MD
In Overlea, MD, hair follicle testing provides significant advantages over traditional urine testing. Lengthier Detection Period: Hair tests boast a 90-day detection window, while urine tests typically detect drug use only within days. Enhanced Accuracy and Tamper-Resistance: Hair testing reduces the risk of sample tampering, making it a superior choice for reliable results. More employers are turning to hair analysis for comprehensive screenings.
Extended Detection Window in Overlea, MD
Hair follicle testing offers a longer detection period, up to 90 days, in Overlea, MD. This extended window gives employers a complete overview of an individual’s substance history, essential for making informed hiring or monitoring decisions. By utilizing hair tests, employers can better gauge an applicant or employee's substance use habits over time, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of their behavior.
Tamper-Resistant Testing Method in Overlea, MD
In Overlea, MD, hair follicle tests significantly reduce the risk of sample tampering. Due to the nature of hair samples, adulteration is much more challenging compared to urine samples. Reliable and Unquestionable Results: The integrity of hair tests ensures that results are both credible and resistant to alteration, providing peace of mind for those relying on their accuracy for critical decisions.
Convenient Nationwide Testing Locations and Local Locations in Overlea, MD
The availability of hair follicle testing centers throughout Overlea, MD, and beyond ensures easy access to essential services. With numerous locations nationwide, Accredited Drug Testing offers quick, hassle-free testing options that accommodate the needs of businesses and individuals alike. This convenience ensures minimal disruption and streamlined processes for those requiring testing services.
Simple, Confidential Process in Overlea, MD
In Overlea, MD, the process for hair follicle testing is both simple and confidential. From ordering a test to receiving results, each step prioritizes user privacy and ease of access. Ease of Use and Privacy Protection: By simplifying the testing experience, individuals can feel comfortable and assured that their personal information is handled with the utmost discretion.
Affordable Pricing and Fast Turnaround in Overlea, MD
Accredited Drug Testing offers competitive pricing alongside quick turnaround times for hair follicle tests in Overlea, MD. This combination ensures that businesses of all sizes can access high-quality testing without strain on resources. The rapid delivery of results, coupled with affordable services, provides exceptional value and peace of mind to organizations seeking efficient substance screening solutions.
Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results in Overlea, MD
Hair follicle tests offer unparalleled precision in detecting drug use, setting them apart in Overlea, MD. The efficiency and reliability of these tests provide fast results, crucial for employers and institutions needing timely screenings. Precision and Speed: With a streamlined process, results are delivered without delay, ensuring that organizations can trust the insights gained from each test.
Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers in Overlea, MD
Employers in Overlea, MD, benefit from the compliance and assurance provided by hair follicle testing. This method aligns with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal risks and promoting a safer work environment. Implementing hair tests ensures employers maintain adherence to regulations, fostering a culture of accountability and trust among employees and management alike.